04/18/24
July 11, 2003
Chelsea goes on shopping spree.: Flush with cash from their takeover by Russian businessman, Roman Abramovich, Chelski has GBP65m with which to buy players. They've just agreed to pay GBP6.5m to buy Geremi (on loan at Middlesborough last season) from Real Madrid (trying to pay for the Beckham bill, huh?). Their shopping list is reported to include Henry, Vieira, Rooney, Davids, and Rivaldo. I guess they can afford to splurge since their new owner has the cash to burn and they also have Champion's League revenue to look forward to next season. Will they buy their way to victory a la Real Madrid, or to ignominy a la Leeds?
posted by worldcup2002 to soccer at 01:31 PM - 10 comments
I don't like that Abramobitch fucker... I used to like Chelsea...that have quickly become one of my least favorite teams... I hope they get relegated.
posted by StarFucker at 01:57 PM on July 11, 2003
Maybe even Ronaldhino joins the mob, according to Soccernet. Whatever signings, somehow I doubt they go from fourth to relegation in one year though.
posted by billsaysthis at 02:12 PM on July 11, 2003
Of all the places that Geremi could go to, he has to choose the pit of evil filth that is cHELLsea. Gah. Let's just say that his return to the Riverside next season will be interesting. Or, we can hope that the Serious Fraud Squad does its duty towards Dodgy Roman, sends the blue filth into bankruptcy, and we pick up Geremi on a free. That team represents everything that is wrong with football.
posted by etagloh at 03:12 PM on July 11, 2003
Given that the teams have begun their training camps as of this week (LFC headed off to Switzerland, for example), does this mark the end of the signings? Other than, say, a few big name holdouts like Ronaldhino.
posted by billsaysthis at 03:22 PM on July 11, 2003
I think they can keep signing till the end of September...
posted by StarFucker at 03:49 PM on July 11, 2003
Abramovich profiles: 36 yrs old, multi-billionaire, second richest man (!!!) in Russia, has a law degree, and is (I knew it!) a Russian parliament member, governor, and former soldier. Ananova BBC Guardian (thanks, Google news!)
posted by worldcup2002 at 04:09 PM on July 11, 2003
Bill, everyone is hanging back, not wanting to pay the inflated wages any longer than they have to. I expect major activity in the coming weeks.
posted by Fat Buddha at 04:59 PM on July 11, 2003
I also think Man U is going to come in fourth next season, after Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. YEAH! Whoah! I finally agree with worldcup (though not necessarily in that order).
posted by trox at 07:43 AM on July 12, 2003
Looks like Chelsea may snag Damien Duff after all.
posted by worldcup2002 at 03:26 PM on July 12, 2003
I think Chelsea will do better than Leeds. I also think Man U is going to come in fourth next season, after Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea. YEAH!